Walls of Fame

  Take a minute and do a panoramic of your walls.  Are there photos of senior portraits from the 60’s, family reunions that left you feeling anything but unified, holidays where no one but you looked at the camera, a photo collage that hasn’t been changed in 20 years? Could there even be remnant posters from decades ago, metal art from the 80’s, a calendar from last year, a fabric memo board that you made during your creative phase? Maybe there is a clock that is too large, too small, too loud, or too hard to read.  If your walls are covered with photos and decor that are more shame than fame, have no fear.  Help has arrived.  

Walls are often neglected space and overlooked as a source of clutter.  We’ve all been to houses where they were just covered with many, too many, frames and art.  Our homes are not museums or stores.  Just because a wall is open does not mean that it has to be filled.  The eye should have at least one clear vertical space on which to rest in every room.

First, let’s donate or sell what we don’t enjoy anymore, and  take photos out of old frames and put them into albums or pass along to a cousin.  Get a tube of spackle and fix the holes; if there is an especially sturdy nail or screw, you just keep it.  It might be securely fixed in a stud and you could hang a clock or mirror on it.  You may or may not feel the need to paint at this point.  If the wall color is light, you might not notice your repairs.  

Second, let’s think about storage.  If you are in a small space, you will definitely want to add vertical storage like a bookshelf.  You might organize your shelves with…

…books or cookbooks on the lowest shelf.

…toy bins, cloth napkins, or craft supplies on the next shelf.

…photos on the shelf above.

…seasonal decor on the top shelf.

The possibilities are endless.  While this is the fun part, the space is not endless.  There is a limit to what you can fit neatly and aesthetically on each shelf.  Space boundaries are so handy and limit decision fatigue.

I have also found that a lower shelf in the bedroom is great for seasonal clothes that I wear frequently, an indoor/outdoor thermometer/clock, and a basket for small gifts.  A tall mirror is also essential and can be hung on a narrow wall or behind a closet door.  I have added several silver Command hooks behind the door for sweaters, extra purses, and hoodies. Here is a link to the ones I use. 

I’ll cover bathrooms  and entryways later.  Meanwhile, work on your vertical space  one room per day, and you will really notice a restful difference within a week.  Congratulations on your claim to wall fame.

Health Tip

Get some early morning sunlight for 15 minutes within the first hour after you wake up for improved mood and cellular health.

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